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Tales from Alcatraz #3
Al Capone Does My Homework
Alcatraz Island in the 1930s isn't the most normal place to grow up, but it's home for Moose Flanagan, his autistic sister, Natalie, and all the families of the guards. When Moose's dad gets promoted to Associate Warden, despite being an unlikely candidate, it's a big deal. But the cons have a point system for targeting prison employees, and his dad is now in serious danger. After a fire starts in the Flanagan's apartment, Natalie is blamed, and Moose bands with the other kids to track down the possible arsonist. Then Moose gets a cryptic note from the notorious Al Capone himself. Is Capone trying to protect Moose's dad too? If Moose can't figure out what Capone's note means, it may be too late.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2013
333 people are currently reading
2435 people want to read
About the author
Gennifer Choldenko
39books726followersThere’s a Lego in my bum which fits with the Lego in my chair and when I sit down to write, I hear the satisfying snap of the two pieces fitting together. I love words, dictionaries, thesauruses, sharp pencils, the smell of book ink and the delicious art of carving out sentences on clean white paper. I love to slip into another person’s skin and feel what it’s like to live another life. I love when characters come to me out of nowhere and make me cry so hard my mascara runs or laugh until my stomach hurts. I love the crazy fun and infinite possibility of storytelling.
What prepared me for a life of writing fiction? Though I have a BA from Brandeis University in English and American Literature and a BFA in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design, the true answer is probably genes. I come from a long line of Irish storytellers on my father’s side and theatre people on my mother’s. I always knew I loved to write, but it took me a long time to summon the courage to chase the dream. I finally went for it when I realized I would prefer to be a failure at something I wanted to do, then a success at something I didn’t.
While I was pretending I wasn’t a writer, trying to be a nice person with a nice quiet job somewhere, I sold lingerie, lipstick and lamp shades. I wrote junk mail. I taught visually and hearing-impaired kids horseback riding. I held a prestigious job in rubbish removal and I worked in a factory wearing a paper gown while wielding a large mallet on small serving packages of ketchup.
One Third Nerd, my funniest novel yet, is due out in January 2019. My most famous novel, Al Capone Does My Shirts, garnered 20 awards, one of which was the Newbery Honor. The Tales of Alcatraz series has sold more than 2 million copies. What will probably be the last book in the series: Al Capone Throws Me a Curve is the best of the fifteen books I’ve written so far.
I am a fitness fanatic; a book-obsessed, tennis-playing woman who thinks like a twelve-year-old. If I ever get the good fortune to meet you, offer me coffee and I will be your friend for life.
What prepared me for a life of writing fiction? Though I have a BA from Brandeis University in English and American Literature and a BFA in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design, the true answer is probably genes. I come from a long line of Irish storytellers on my father’s side and theatre people on my mother’s. I always knew I loved to write, but it took me a long time to summon the courage to chase the dream. I finally went for it when I realized I would prefer to be a failure at something I wanted to do, then a success at something I didn’t.
While I was pretending I wasn’t a writer, trying to be a nice person with a nice quiet job somewhere, I sold lingerie, lipstick and lamp shades. I wrote junk mail. I taught visually and hearing-impaired kids horseback riding. I held a prestigious job in rubbish removal and I worked in a factory wearing a paper gown while wielding a large mallet on small serving packages of ketchup.
One Third Nerd, my funniest novel yet, is due out in January 2019. My most famous novel, Al Capone Does My Shirts, garnered 20 awards, one of which was the Newbery Honor. The Tales of Alcatraz series has sold more than 2 million copies. What will probably be the last book in the series: Al Capone Throws Me a Curve is the best of the fifteen books I’ve written so far.
I am a fitness fanatic; a book-obsessed, tennis-playing woman who thinks like a twelve-year-old. If I ever get the good fortune to meet you, offer me coffee and I will be your friend for life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 467 reviews
May 12, 2022
He nods. "It's not easy being in charge, Moose...you think I don't know that? Harder to be Natalie's brother than it is to be a warden. And being a warden is no picnic.
"People are responsible for themselves. All you can do is try to inspire each person to be his best self. You did that with Natalie. You let her do what she needed to do. Your mom could never had done that. You know that, don't you?" (PGS. 195-196)
This is the third Al Capone in the series and I have loved them all. I love the premise of living in Alcatraz among the worst of the worst but being safe.
I like the characters and that Moose has finally come into himself and fallen out of like with Piper. The author did a great job of making the kid's voices. I really believe they are those ages and don't sound like jaded 30 year-olds.
Very fun YA series with an amazingly smart autistic sister that fits into the story perfectly.
"People are responsible for themselves. All you can do is try to inspire each person to be his best self. You did that with Natalie. You let her do what she needed to do. Your mom could never had done that. You know that, don't you?" (PGS. 195-196)
This is the third Al Capone in the series and I have loved them all. I love the premise of living in Alcatraz among the worst of the worst but being safe.
I like the characters and that Moose has finally come into himself and fallen out of like with Piper. The author did a great job of making the kid's voices. I really believe they are those ages and don't sound like jaded 30 year-olds.
Very fun YA series with an amazingly smart autistic sister that fits into the story perfectly.
November 11, 2015
NOOOOOOOOOO! I have to wait till Fall 2017 for book 4. I absolutely looooooove this middle grade series! Highly suggest the audio version of this book. There is nothing I didn't love about this book. If you want a funny, heartfelt series that makes you LOL and cry, then this is your series!
June 26, 2013
Clearly, I don't hand out 5 stars every day. A book has to be darn near perfect to earn one.
I was hesitant, because even though I'd read the first of Choldenko's Al Capone Does books, I hadn't read the second. No worries, because the story picked right up.
Choldenko's prose is effortless, the voice perfect. She takes us back to Alcatraz and the gang of young friends who live on an island populated by prisoners and guards.
The mystery this time is a fire that burns out the main character's apartment after his dad is made assistant warden. Natalie, his sister who most likely has autism, is blamed. He's worried about his dad being a target for convicts trying to score points by harming him, and trying to clear his sister's name--and holding himself to blame if she did set the fire.
Loved it. Every second of it. I've often thought of Choldenko as one of the most talented MG writers today and she has proven that once again.
I was hesitant, because even though I'd read the first of Choldenko's Al Capone Does books, I hadn't read the second. No worries, because the story picked right up.
Choldenko's prose is effortless, the voice perfect. She takes us back to Alcatraz and the gang of young friends who live on an island populated by prisoners and guards.
The mystery this time is a fire that burns out the main character's apartment after his dad is made assistant warden. Natalie, his sister who most likely has autism, is blamed. He's worried about his dad being a target for convicts trying to score points by harming him, and trying to clear his sister's name--and holding himself to blame if she did set the fire.
Loved it. Every second of it. I've often thought of Choldenko as one of the most talented MG writers today and she has proven that once again.
July 27, 2018
My ongoing eager enjoyment of this series continued into this third book of the Tales From Alcatraz series. Not to be disloyal to books one and two, but book three, Al Capone Does My Homework, really sparkled with so many good elements and that something better that just gave it some extra shine.
Moose is told by his mom and Natalie's teacher that he needs to help her learn some of the social graces like making eye contact. Meanwhile, his dad starts his new assignment as the Assistant Warden and is now a bigger target for the cons of Alcatraz. How can he watch his dad's back while working with Natalie's special needs? And what is going on with Piper and her extra money and secret admirer? Moose is up to his neck in little mysteries and that is before the fire that engulfs part of their apartment in Building 64 and Natalie gets the blame.
As usual, I enjoyed this historical era adventure of a young teen trying to keep all the balls in the air while he goes about things in his unique home setting, family situation, friends, love of ball, and staying one step ahead of the wily cons. Moose is a responsible kid and wants to do his best, but gets overwhelmed with all he sees as his concerns. I felt bad for him the way he takes things to heart like how guilty he feels about falling asleep when the fire happens. As an adult reading the story, I was well aware of whom to blame, but it was fun seeing the group of kids figure it out. Loved how the last part of the book ends and Moose's role. He's such a great kid and comes through. Ha! That last scene with Natalie getting the better of folks who under-estimate her was fabulous.
Now, I'm all caught up since I read the next book already. I'm eagerly anticipating the next release. Those who enjoy historical fiction, young teen adventure and a unique setting.
Moose is told by his mom and Natalie's teacher that he needs to help her learn some of the social graces like making eye contact. Meanwhile, his dad starts his new assignment as the Assistant Warden and is now a bigger target for the cons of Alcatraz. How can he watch his dad's back while working with Natalie's special needs? And what is going on with Piper and her extra money and secret admirer? Moose is up to his neck in little mysteries and that is before the fire that engulfs part of their apartment in Building 64 and Natalie gets the blame.
As usual, I enjoyed this historical era adventure of a young teen trying to keep all the balls in the air while he goes about things in his unique home setting, family situation, friends, love of ball, and staying one step ahead of the wily cons. Moose is a responsible kid and wants to do his best, but gets overwhelmed with all he sees as his concerns. I felt bad for him the way he takes things to heart like how guilty he feels about falling asleep when the fire happens. As an adult reading the story, I was well aware of whom to blame, but it was fun seeing the group of kids figure it out. Loved how the last part of the book ends and Moose's role. He's such a great kid and comes through. Ha! That last scene with Natalie getting the better of folks who under-estimate her was fabulous.
Now, I'm all caught up since I read the next book already. I'm eagerly anticipating the next release. Those who enjoy historical fiction, young teen adventure and a unique setting.
January 14, 2013
Bravo Gennifer! What a treat to be back on Alcatraz with Moose, Annie, Natalie and the gang. Loved the development of the characters, the pacing of the plot and the abundance of humor (who knew belly buttons and cockroaches could have so many uses!)
November 30, 2016
If Al Capone Does My Shirts is the best of Gennifer Choldenko's first three Al Capone at Alcatraz books—and I think it is—the other two are no less fresh, uniquely engaging historical fiction. To set a novel during a specific time period (the 1930s) on an island where a strictly limited number of people lived is atypical of historical literature. There isn't a huge population to hide the characters within; what they do is bound to be noticed if it causes a major stir, and authors of historical fiction generally don't want to bring their characters to the attention of the real historical timeline, for the sake of narrative plausibility. Gennifer Choldenko accentuates the positives and avoids these pitfalls of creating historical fiction set on Alcatraz, and this series is a bright spot among contemporary offerings of the genre. Moose, Natalie, Piper, Annie, Jimmy, Theresa, and Janet are interesting kids to read about, and we find ourselves pulling for them to be okay as drama and danger swirls around them and their families. The mysteries that confront them are atmospherically enhanced by the presence of violent criminals only a short distance away, some of America's vilest transgressors locked within the walls of the island prison. Could the convicts be angling to leverage the kids as part of an escape plot? Are Moose or his friends in peril of their lives? That tension always lurks in the background in these books, effectively elevating the stakes. A dark, rainy night feels scarier when you share a home with crazies and killers.
Thirteen-year-old Moose Flanagan's father has been promoted to associate warden, second in command on Alcatraz, and Piper's father isn't pleased. Darby Trixle believes he deserved the job, and isn't shy about saying so. When Moose is alone at home one night babysitting his sixteen-year-old sister Natalie, whose congenital mentality is that of a perpetual child, disaster strikes: their apartment catches fire, and Moose has to hurriedly evacuate Natalie. Volunteer firefighters extinguish the blaze before it roars out of control, but the Flanagans' apartment (#2E) is a shambles, and Darby Trixle and his wife, Bea, make it clear they believe Natalie is responsible. Moose and his sister were by themselves, and Natalie is notorious for obsessively turning on and off light switches and other simple household fixtures. Is it not likely that she was playing with the stove and started the fire? Getting a straight answer out of Natalie is impossible, and only Moose knows his own culpability in the episode: he fell asleep while babysitting. What will his parents say if they find out?
"How much of a smell can you smell, until you can't smell it anymore?"
�Al Capone Does My Homework, P. 53
As Darby and Bea Trixle bring pressure to either have Natalie banished from Alcatraz or the whole Flanagan family dismissed, the heat also intensifies at Natalie's off-island school, the Esther P. Marinoff academy for kids with special needs. With insurance concerns rising to the forefront if Natalie is judged a risk for starting fires, the school places Natalie on suspension until the official report comes back on the origin of the conflagration in #2E. How will the Flanagans deal with the report if it's bad news for Natalie? Moose sets out to solve the fire mystery on his own, and stumbles upon additional enigmas around Alcatraz. Piper has received lavish gifts from a secret admirer recently; who is it? Why are a suspicious-looking trio of convicts putting secret notes in a waterspout, notes that make no sense to Moose when he intercepts them? A sinister plot is growing, Moose senses with unease, but he can't make heads nor tails of it until the plan is set in motion and the shocking import of it all is revealed. Drastic changes are in the offing for Alcatraz, but how will the impact rock Moose and his family? Was Moose's father's promotion to associate warden the worst catastrophe that could have befallen the Flanagans?
In previous Al Capone at Alcatraz books, Gennifer Choldenko comments in the Author's Note that Natalie probably would be diagnosed with autism if she lived today. She's a handful for Moose and his parents, who tempt fate if they leave her unsupervised for even a few moments, and that's where the trouble starts in Al Capone Does My Homework. Yet Natalie's mind for mathematics is almost a superpower, and her memory for minute detail is flawless. How can Moose and his parents help Natalie overcome her crippling social deficiencies to prove to a skeptical world that she's worth knowing and has indispensable contributions to offer society? Moose is more aware of this quandary better than anyone. "Sometimes dealing with Nat is like playing baseball without the ball. You got to make up the whole game yourself." When apartment #2E burns, Darby and Bea Trixle leap right to accusing Natalie because she's not normal, which makes them uneasy. Her eccentricities don't mean she's a pyromaniac, though, and Moose won't let them assume the mishap was Natalie's doing. "She didn't do this. Just because she's different, doesn't mean she's guilty." The burden of suspicion for accidents frequently lands on Natalie, but she's unusual, not crazy, and it isn't fair to convict her for being odd. To Bea Trixle, Natalie's antisocial demeanor itself is an offense, but Moose interacts with his sister every day, and knows being normal isn't everything. "She's better than normal", he tells Bea Trixle. "You just can't see it, that's all." People often place more value on one's ability to fit in and act like everyone else than on the marvelous abilities unique to that person which will go to waste if we exclude them from our conformist social order, and it takes advocates like Moose to keep thoughtless people from relegating those special individuals to the ranks of second-class citizenry. If Moose can prove Natalie didn't set the fire, the rest of the mystery may come together, and Natalie just might show her doubters that she is the extraordinary girl her family believes her to be.
Gennifer Choldenko's storytelling is amusing and affirming, which is why her Al Capone at Alcatraz novels each generated Newbery buzz in their year of release. The way she uses comparisons to help us understand how the characters feel is clever and enlightening, such as when Moose describes the way it feels to kiss the girl he likes. "It's different when you kiss someone you really care about. It's like when you're there in person at a baseball game instead of just hearing it on the radio." I've attended Major League Baseball games, and can attest to the disparity between seeing a game live and listening to or watching it remotely. The energy of sitting in the ballpark among thousands of cheering fans with the action unfolding right in front of you brings the game to life anew. I would probably rank Al Capone Does My Homework third of the first three books in this series, but it's a solid novel, and I might well rate it two and a half stars. I love spending time on Alcatraz with Gennifer Choldenko as my guide, and I'm grateful we have these books. Whatever Ms. Choldenko accomplishes as a children's author, I suspect Al Capone at Alcatraz will always be her signature series, and that's a legacy I wouldn't mind leaving behind. Not one little bit.
Thirteen-year-old Moose Flanagan's father has been promoted to associate warden, second in command on Alcatraz, and Piper's father isn't pleased. Darby Trixle believes he deserved the job, and isn't shy about saying so. When Moose is alone at home one night babysitting his sixteen-year-old sister Natalie, whose congenital mentality is that of a perpetual child, disaster strikes: their apartment catches fire, and Moose has to hurriedly evacuate Natalie. Volunteer firefighters extinguish the blaze before it roars out of control, but the Flanagans' apartment (#2E) is a shambles, and Darby Trixle and his wife, Bea, make it clear they believe Natalie is responsible. Moose and his sister were by themselves, and Natalie is notorious for obsessively turning on and off light switches and other simple household fixtures. Is it not likely that she was playing with the stove and started the fire? Getting a straight answer out of Natalie is impossible, and only Moose knows his own culpability in the episode: he fell asleep while babysitting. What will his parents say if they find out?
"How much of a smell can you smell, until you can't smell it anymore?"
�Al Capone Does My Homework, P. 53
As Darby and Bea Trixle bring pressure to either have Natalie banished from Alcatraz or the whole Flanagan family dismissed, the heat also intensifies at Natalie's off-island school, the Esther P. Marinoff academy for kids with special needs. With insurance concerns rising to the forefront if Natalie is judged a risk for starting fires, the school places Natalie on suspension until the official report comes back on the origin of the conflagration in #2E. How will the Flanagans deal with the report if it's bad news for Natalie? Moose sets out to solve the fire mystery on his own, and stumbles upon additional enigmas around Alcatraz. Piper has received lavish gifts from a secret admirer recently; who is it? Why are a suspicious-looking trio of convicts putting secret notes in a waterspout, notes that make no sense to Moose when he intercepts them? A sinister plot is growing, Moose senses with unease, but he can't make heads nor tails of it until the plan is set in motion and the shocking import of it all is revealed. Drastic changes are in the offing for Alcatraz, but how will the impact rock Moose and his family? Was Moose's father's promotion to associate warden the worst catastrophe that could have befallen the Flanagans?
In previous Al Capone at Alcatraz books, Gennifer Choldenko comments in the Author's Note that Natalie probably would be diagnosed with autism if she lived today. She's a handful for Moose and his parents, who tempt fate if they leave her unsupervised for even a few moments, and that's where the trouble starts in Al Capone Does My Homework. Yet Natalie's mind for mathematics is almost a superpower, and her memory for minute detail is flawless. How can Moose and his parents help Natalie overcome her crippling social deficiencies to prove to a skeptical world that she's worth knowing and has indispensable contributions to offer society? Moose is more aware of this quandary better than anyone. "Sometimes dealing with Nat is like playing baseball without the ball. You got to make up the whole game yourself." When apartment #2E burns, Darby and Bea Trixle leap right to accusing Natalie because she's not normal, which makes them uneasy. Her eccentricities don't mean she's a pyromaniac, though, and Moose won't let them assume the mishap was Natalie's doing. "She didn't do this. Just because she's different, doesn't mean she's guilty." The burden of suspicion for accidents frequently lands on Natalie, but she's unusual, not crazy, and it isn't fair to convict her for being odd. To Bea Trixle, Natalie's antisocial demeanor itself is an offense, but Moose interacts with his sister every day, and knows being normal isn't everything. "She's better than normal", he tells Bea Trixle. "You just can't see it, that's all." People often place more value on one's ability to fit in and act like everyone else than on the marvelous abilities unique to that person which will go to waste if we exclude them from our conformist social order, and it takes advocates like Moose to keep thoughtless people from relegating those special individuals to the ranks of second-class citizenry. If Moose can prove Natalie didn't set the fire, the rest of the mystery may come together, and Natalie just might show her doubters that she is the extraordinary girl her family believes her to be.
Gennifer Choldenko's storytelling is amusing and affirming, which is why her Al Capone at Alcatraz novels each generated Newbery buzz in their year of release. The way she uses comparisons to help us understand how the characters feel is clever and enlightening, such as when Moose describes the way it feels to kiss the girl he likes. "It's different when you kiss someone you really care about. It's like when you're there in person at a baseball game instead of just hearing it on the radio." I've attended Major League Baseball games, and can attest to the disparity between seeing a game live and listening to or watching it remotely. The energy of sitting in the ballpark among thousands of cheering fans with the action unfolding right in front of you brings the game to life anew. I would probably rank Al Capone Does My Homework third of the first three books in this series, but it's a solid novel, and I might well rate it two and a half stars. I love spending time on Alcatraz with Gennifer Choldenko as my guide, and I'm grateful we have these books. Whatever Ms. Choldenko accomplishes as a children's author, I suspect Al Capone at Alcatraz will always be her signature series, and that's a legacy I wouldn't mind leaving behind. Not one little bit.
April 25, 2018
The plot isn't as tight this time around, but Moose is as endearing as ever, his dad is amazing, and we were very satisfied with the the character development of Natalie, Annie, and especially what happens with Piper! Three and a half stars.
March 6, 2013
Began this with trepidation Could Choldenko turn out a third book of the same caliber as the first two in the series? And...she did! I was most pleased with the development of the characters we've come to care about and charmed by their changing relationships. Natalie lifts my spirits and Moose touches my heart.
March 19, 2020
Moose's dad has been promoted to assistant Warden, and naturally Darby Trixle is jealous and unhappy about this. However, Moose and his family have much bigger problems when their apartment catches fire while Moose is watching Natalie and has fallen asleep. Naturally Trixle starts accusing Natalie, which isn't surprising, but what is odd is that Al Capone appears to have redone a paper Moose wrote but has added some odd comments to it.
Piper is up to her usual manipulative behaviour, Annie has sprouted and even though she still can through a mean baseball, she is starting to look like a girl. This book is as fun as the first one was, and once again the kids manage to be part of finding answers to various and sundry problems that are creeping up on Alcatraz.
Piper is up to her usual manipulative behaviour, Annie has sprouted and even though she still can through a mean baseball, she is starting to look like a girl. This book is as fun as the first one was, and once again the kids manage to be part of finding answers to various and sundry problems that are creeping up on Alcatraz.
April 11, 2018
January 1936: Moose's dad has been promoted to Associate Warden - ahead of Darby Trixel. Darby was sure he'd get that promotion and he is super mad. Moose knows he has to look out for his dad and protect him against Trixel and the cons, but how can he do that and be a normal kid? He also has to look after Natalie, who is home on vacation. Natalie is supposed to be working on eye contact and she stubbornly refuses to do it. Moose is frustrated by his sister's "funny business" but he's quick to defend her when their apartment burns and fingers point to Natalie as the arsonist. Moose knows his sister didn't do it but a niggling thought in the back of his mind fears she DID do it and they'll all get kicked off the island and Natalie won't be allowed back at school. On top of all this, there's a mysterious note in Al Capone's handwriting on Moose's essay and Annie is turning from "one of the boys gal pal" into a beautiful young woman. He's sort of Piper's boyfriend, or is he? What's she up to anyway acting so unusual? Moose has a lot on his shoulders!
The plot of this story was a little less compelling than the previous two. I figured out the mystery pretty much right away. I thought it was mentioned in the beginning and I connected the dots. There are some surprises in the plot though.I was a little surprised by the final reveal. I was frustrated by the attempts to force Natalie to make eye contact and act out of her comfort zone. I know this is hard work. The Mrs. Kelly reveals the reason why and it made sense. This story focuses less on Natalie and more on Moose, Annie, Jimmy and Piper. Theresa appears for comic relief and Natalie does play a larger role as the story goes on.
I liked Moose a little better in this book now he's stopped mooning over Piper. His worries are valid this time though I still wish he would confide in an adult. He always feels better once he does! The Al Capone business is very minor in this one compared to the previous two books. It doesn't really make a lot of sense until Moose suddenly figures it out. His growing feelings for Annie develop very slowly and the romance is very sweet and almost non-existent.
Piper is less annoying but she does something stupid she should have known not to do. I didn't really feel that bad for her.
Jimmy's new scientific study is on cockroaches. It's pretty gross but funny and ingenious.
The Trixels are the most awful people. Their actions go from bad to worse in this novel. I just hate them. The villain I didn't like them from the first and suspected that everything was connected. Moose had a niggling suspicion too but wanted to like this person and with everything else he was going through, just didn't figure it out. This character is the only new character central to the story. Annie's dad and Theresa and Jimmy's dad make cameo appearances and there are some new cons but we don't get to know them too well.
I like the reader for this book. He doesn't sound 13 but he pitches his voice differently for each character and makes me believe he's a woman, a girl and a 13 year old boy.
Relisten:
Well this book clearly didn't make much of an impression on me because I had forgotten the majority of the plot. I feel pretty much the same way I did after my first read. I think Moose is given too much responsibility and takes too much on his shoulders. He's only 13 and shouldn't have to worry about such things. Why was he home alone with Natalie at night? Why couldn't Mrs. Maddaman come and stay with them?
The adults in this story are portrayed as clueless or villains. Cam Flanagan's seeming naivety bothered me as much as it did Moose. In the end though, both Flanagan men behave appropriately. There's no way anyone can prove what the pixies heard anyway.
The big thing that bothered me in this book was the attitudes towards Natalie. I had to keep reminding myself that they didn't understand what makes her different from Moose, but the Flanagans insistence on treating Natalie like she's intellectually impaired and a baby (at the same time) really annoyed me. I was so happy when Natalie asserted her independence.
Piper annoyed the heck out of me. She's such a spoiled, manipulative brat. If Moose and the other kids didn't give in and let her walk away in a huff, she wouldn't act like that.
The plot kept me interested. I suspected who the villain was but I couldn't remember the specifics of what was going on. The different convicts were hard to keep track of but were unique and creative characters to add to the real life cons on Alcatraz.
I found one slight anachronism in the book. Mrs. M makes chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast- in 1936. The first chocolate chip cookies were made using a bar of chocolate in 1936. Nestle introduced their famous Tollhouse Morsels in 1937. Even fudging the timeline, why would a mom without much money buy a new novelty food just to make pancakes and cookies for her kids? That didn't seem period correct to me. Otherwise I think the time setting is done well. There are lots of mentions of people needing money and of course the Al Capone references point to the 1930s. I'm not an expert in 20th-century history and popular culture though so I can't say whether everything is totally accurate.
I like this series enough to keep reading, mainly because of Natalie.
The plot of this story was a little less compelling than the previous two. I figured out the mystery pretty much right away. I thought it was mentioned in the beginning and I connected the dots. There are some surprises in the plot though.I was a little surprised by the final reveal. I was frustrated by the attempts to force Natalie to make eye contact and act out of her comfort zone. I know this is hard work. The Mrs. Kelly reveals the reason why and it made sense. This story focuses less on Natalie and more on Moose, Annie, Jimmy and Piper. Theresa appears for comic relief and Natalie does play a larger role as the story goes on.
I liked Moose a little better in this book now he's stopped mooning over Piper. His worries are valid this time though I still wish he would confide in an adult. He always feels better once he does! The Al Capone business is very minor in this one compared to the previous two books. It doesn't really make a lot of sense until Moose suddenly figures it out. His growing feelings for Annie develop very slowly and the romance is very sweet and almost non-existent.
Piper is less annoying but she does something stupid she should have known not to do. I didn't really feel that bad for her.
Jimmy's new scientific study is on cockroaches. It's pretty gross but funny and ingenious.
The Trixels are the most awful people. Their actions go from bad to worse in this novel. I just hate them. The villain I didn't like them from the first and suspected that everything was connected. Moose had a niggling suspicion too but wanted to like this person and with everything else he was going through, just didn't figure it out. This character is the only new character central to the story. Annie's dad and Theresa and Jimmy's dad make cameo appearances and there are some new cons but we don't get to know them too well.
I like the reader for this book. He doesn't sound 13 but he pitches his voice differently for each character and makes me believe he's a woman, a girl and a 13 year old boy.
Relisten:
Well this book clearly didn't make much of an impression on me because I had forgotten the majority of the plot. I feel pretty much the same way I did after my first read. I think Moose is given too much responsibility and takes too much on his shoulders. He's only 13 and shouldn't have to worry about such things. Why was he home alone with Natalie at night? Why couldn't Mrs. Maddaman come and stay with them?
The adults in this story are portrayed as clueless or villains. Cam Flanagan's seeming naivety bothered me as much as it did Moose. In the end though, both Flanagan men behave appropriately. There's no way anyone can prove what the pixies heard anyway.
The big thing that bothered me in this book was the attitudes towards Natalie. I had to keep reminding myself that they didn't understand what makes her different from Moose, but the Flanagans insistence on treating Natalie like she's intellectually impaired and a baby (at the same time) really annoyed me. I was so happy when Natalie asserted her independence.
Piper annoyed the heck out of me. She's such a spoiled, manipulative brat. If Moose and the other kids didn't give in and let her walk away in a huff, she wouldn't act like that.
The plot kept me interested. I suspected who the villain was but I couldn't remember the specifics of what was going on. The different convicts were hard to keep track of but were unique and creative characters to add to the real life cons on Alcatraz.
I found one slight anachronism in the book. Mrs. M makes chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast- in 1936. The first chocolate chip cookies were made using a bar of chocolate in 1936. Nestle introduced their famous Tollhouse Morsels in 1937. Even fudging the timeline, why would a mom without much money buy a new novelty food just to make pancakes and cookies for her kids? That didn't seem period correct to me. Otherwise I think the time setting is done well. There are lots of mentions of people needing money and of course the Al Capone references point to the 1930s. I'm not an expert in 20th-century history and popular culture though so I can't say whether everything is totally accurate.
I like this series enough to keep reading, mainly because of Natalie.
April 10, 2019
The theme to this book is Is if you don't have friends you wouldn't have as much fun. An example of this is all of Moose's friends, Piper and Theresa greeting him to the island. The other example is when they all hung out and did stuff together and had a good time.
May 9, 2024
This series is so fun to read I want a 1000 more.
January 3, 2020
In this book, Moose Flanagan ( the narrator ) is a 13 year old boy who is living on the island Alcatraz was built on. As a thirteen year old kid, Moose feels responsible to take care and protect his older sister and his father from any potential harm the prisoners may cause. His sister, Natalie, may have autism due to not being able to socialize well, and not being able to look people in their eyes otherwise she’ll get nervous and have an outbreak. Moose’s father on the other hand had landed a job as the associate warden for Alcatraz ( the reason they live on the island of Alcatraz). One day as they were sleeping, the apartment had been mysteriously set on fire and Moose blames himself for it because he was supposed to be babysitting his sister and feels very guilty for it. Moose then gathers his group of friends to find out who set the fire but as this is happening, Moose’s father had been stabbed by an inmate with a butcher knife and yet again, Moose blames himself again for not being able to protect his father and becomes more guilty. The book continues on to show their how they were able to discover who set the fire. When they do find out who it had been, Moose talks to his father about how he is sorry for being asleep during the fire and is relieved from his guilt when his father tells him that he shouldn’t be and did not expect him to be up all night babysitting his sister.
I strongly recommend this book for those who likes a plot with a mystery that unfolds throughout the whole book. And to those who also like something’s that’s different such as a family living on the Alcatraz island.
I strongly recommend this book for those who likes a plot with a mystery that unfolds throughout the whole book. And to those who also like something’s that’s different such as a family living on the Alcatraz island.
February 18, 2019
This is the third novel in the Al Capone middle grade series, and it's just as wonderful as the first two books. Mr. Flanagan is promoted to assistant warden, which means more responsibility for Moose, on top of being a primary caregiver for his autistic sister. Natalie is blamed when the Flanagans apartment is fire-bombed, and Moose is determined to clear her name, and to protect his vulnerable father from further attacks.
With the single exception of the Harry Potter books, I've never read a series where the characters gel so well together. They feel like one big extended family. Even the Trixles, who would stand out in any family, feel like an integral part of the cast.
And if I were twelve, I would definitely want Moose for my boyfriend.
With the single exception of the Harry Potter books, I've never read a series where the characters gel so well together. They feel like one big extended family. Even the Trixles, who would stand out in any family, feel like an integral part of the cast.
And if I were twelve, I would definitely want Moose for my boyfriend.
May 24, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️The third and final book in this series is the 2nd best of the trilogy. I have become very attached to Moose and his family. He’s a peacemaker, a people pleaser, and a very devoted brother and son. His burdens just keep getting heavier…he worries about his sister Natalie, even as she continues to make steady progress. He worries about his dad in his new job as assistant warden. And he feels like it’s his fault when their apartment catches on fire. It’s a lot for a 13-year old to shoulder. This story has some dark and scary elements, but also brings to light some thoughtful discussions about fairness and honesty. Moose does some serious growing up, and it’s very touching.
March 2, 2023
Truly good middle school books are hard to come by, in my opinion, which is why I must shout about this one! This is the third in a series of four, and I enjoyed it very much - and I haven't even read the first two...yet.
The 7th graders at our middle school read the first two in the series when they were 6th graders. They enjoyed them so much, they asked if they could continue the series in 7th grade. I ended up reading this one in order to approve it for the campus.
This book has it all: Alcatraz history, family relationships, friendships, life lessons, adventure, suspense, excitement, and fun! I highly recommend it!
The 7th graders at our middle school read the first two in the series when they were 6th graders. They enjoyed them so much, they asked if they could continue the series in 7th grade. I ended up reading this one in order to approve it for the campus.
This book has it all: Alcatraz history, family relationships, friendships, life lessons, adventure, suspense, excitement, and fun! I highly recommend it!
March 4, 2022
This is my first book in the series even though this is #3. The main character is 13 and we see the story unfold from his POV. I thought the idea of Alcatraz as the setting and Al Capone as a character was intriguing. I was not disappointed.
November 16, 2018
One of my favorite series ever.
April 20, 2020
Review by Kaz age 11-
It was good because it was a mystery of why their apartment burned down. I liked the plot and the dialogue. This particular book was different from the rest of the series as it was a mystery.
It was good because it was a mystery of why their apartment burned down. I liked the plot and the dialogue. This particular book was different from the rest of the series as it was a mystery.
September 23, 2022
Amazing, best of the series.
Read
March 25, 2025Moose and Annie >>>
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I love that the author kind of turned this into a mystery, and it was really enjoyable! I love these characters! I wrote a more intricate review of the whole series with the last book. (So go read it for my full review)
4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Would recommend 👍🏼 Age rating: 11+
Happy reading! 🔥🤫🕵🏻♀�
4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Would recommend 👍🏼 Age rating: 11+
Happy reading! 🔥🤫🕵🏻♀�
September 14, 2018
I just LOVED this third book in the series. I really do love Moose Flanagan and his family. I think Moose is one of the best narrators! In Al Capone Does My Homework, Moose has a few mysteries to solve. First, he needs to find out WHO set fire to their apartment, and why! There are certain busybodies on Alcatraz who are telling everyone that Natalie, Moose's older sister, set the fire! In fact, this hateful woman calls Natalie's special boarding school and has her put on probation! All without proof. Moose may struggle with his sister, with his relationship to his sister, how he really feels about "being responsible" for her, but he knows that he HAS to defend his sister and protect her from people like that. There are a few clues to follow in this one, and I won't share any more details, but, this book is so great!!!
I loved spending time with Moose, Jimmy, Annie, Piper, and Janet.
I loved spending time with Moose, Jimmy, Annie, Piper, and Janet.
April 7, 2016
A cute YA book, number three of three, Al Capone Does My Homework is the story of the family of the assistant warden at Alcatraz in 1936. At that time, the families of the employees of Alcatraz were allowed to live in quarters on the island. This is a fact. Moose is the son of this warden and he has a group of friends, as well as his autistic sister, Natalie, to play baseball with, worry about, and hatch secret plans. Moose finds out there is a competition among the convicts to earn points by hurting or killing wardens and guards. Do Moose and his friends really get assistance from Al Capone that will help protect his dad?
The notes in the back of the book point out some of the facts about Alcatraz at that time period. Some of these the author incorporates into the book. I learned something new today (my goal every day)!
The notes in the back of the book point out some of the facts about Alcatraz at that time period. Some of these the author incorporates into the book. I learned something new today (my goal every day)!
November 19, 2013
This is probably the best book in the series thus far. Starting off, Moose's dad is now the assistant warden, which means big changes for Moose and his family. Unfortunately the first huge change for them occurs in the middle of the night while Moose is at home watching his sister, Natalie. Their apartment catches on fire! The majority of the book is spent trying to figure out if Natalie set the fire by accident, if it was an accident due to wiring, or if it was arson by someone on the island. In the meantime, Piper is modeling herself after Al Capone - buying expensive gifts for everyone. The kids also discover a game the convicts play that involve a point system for spitting on the guards and wardens and also for spilling their blood.
November 16, 2020
As always, Natalie is more of a prop than a character. She's the reason they've moved to San Francisco. She's the reason they feel compelled to stay at this dangerous job. But we very rarely get a sense of what she's going through or how she feels about living on the island or going to the school well past the age when she should be, even thought Natalie has been on occasion shown to have opinions and the ability to self care, albeit with some help.
May 11, 2023
Moose lives on Alcatraz Island with his family. His dad was just made Associate Warden of the prison. Moose is worried since it seems it’s not just the prisoners who are testing his dad. Thankfully Moose always has his friends on the island to count on, right?
This is the third book in this series and it gives what I can imagine to be a realistic portrayal of life in the 1930’s. Some convicts have morals, no killing a child, others have no scruples. This series is aimed for middle schoolers and younger, so there really is nothing scary in the story.
This is the third book in this series and it gives what I can imagine to be a realistic portrayal of life in the 1930’s. Some convicts have morals, no killing a child, others have no scruples. This series is aimed for middle schoolers and younger, so there really is nothing scary in the story.
February 19, 2014
This was a really sweet book with quite an exciting story line. I loved the first book in this series "Al Capone does my shirts." but I wasn't as impressed with "Al Capone shines my shoes." This one totally makes up for it. Great story for kids to read about having a sibling with special needs under unique circumstances. Moose is the big brother I wish I had. I can totally relate to him.
February 24, 2014
This is a great story. I love how it still has the same characters but introduces new ones to help tell Moose's Life. I can't believe Moose's dad is assistant warden. I loved this book, I love pretty much any book about Alcatraz and Capone. I mean who doesn't, right?
****Spoilers****
I love how at the end Nat is able to finally be a 16 year old! I would compare Nat to Gary from ALPHAS. They both struggle with showing others how mature they can be.
****Spoilers****
I love how at the end Nat is able to finally be a 16 year old! I would compare Nat to Gary from ALPHAS. They both struggle with showing others how mature they can be.
December 28, 2014
I thought this book was okay. I liked all three books in this series. It wasn't my favorite just because the style in which the author writes in is okay. Nonetheless, I liked the book because because it was a mystery, it was exciting, and because it had a good plot. In addition, I liked how most of the characters had a strong mind and they all tied into the plot.
I would recommend the series to anyone.
I would recommend the series to anyone.
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